by LS Rice

Created on: January 11, 2007   Last Updated: March 23, 2007

Deciding whether or not to put your child into a preschool may be one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. Especially if your child is still a toddler. There are many things you should take into consideration when looking for the right preschool for your child.
First, how much are you willing to pay for preschool. Not all schools charge the same rates, so decide how much you can afford and call around to ask for rates. Any preschool will be happy to supply you with this information. And remember, toddler rates will usually be higher than the rates for older children, this is because there are stricter standards that preschools must meet in order to care for such a young age group.

Second, how far do you want to travel? Are you looking for a place close to home or closer to work?
Third, what are the primary hours you will need for care? It is very important that the place you choose be able to fulfill your needs. You would not want to choose a place that closes at 6:00 if you work until 6:30
Once you have decided on those three things, you should begin calling preschools that fit your criteria. When calling there are several things you want to ask.
How long has the school been in business? An older school has an already established clientele, where a newer school will not.
What is the teacher to child ratio. All schools must maintain a certain ratio. For example 5 toddlers for every one teacher. Ask what happens if more children enroll. Find out if there is a waiting list.
How is teacher turnover? When looking for a place to leave your child look for places that do not have a high rate of teacher turnover. Try to find a place that has had the same toddler teacher for a couple of years. It is important to realize however, that as with any job there will be some rate of turnover. Do not be afraid to ask how this is handled.
What qualifications do the teachers have? What is the education and background?
The above article lists just a few of the many things you should look into when deciding on a preschool. It is important to tour any school before you decide on one. Most schools will also allow you to visit and try out the center before you enroll. And remember, the first school may not always be the right one for your child. In that case, do not be afraid to try again until you find something that fits the needs of you and your child.

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